Chinese footballer Chengdong joins Rayo Vallecano

Beijing, July 22 (IANS) Chinese Super League (CSL) side Beijing Guoan’s Zhang Chengdong has joined Madrid-based football club Rayo Vallecano on loan.

Winger Zhang, 26, is expected to be the first Chinese player to play in the La Liga, Xinhua reported.

According to Beijing Guoan, Zhang will play for Rayo in the 2015-2016 season, with his loan due on June 15, 2016.

“Thanks for his contribution to Beijing Guoan. Wish him all the best during the next phase of his career,” the club wrote on Twitter-like social media Weibo.

“Cheer for you, and wait for you.”

Zhang began his professional career in Liaoning, where he had a three-season spell before joining Portuguese club Deportivo Mafra. He also played for Leiria Uniao, Beira Mar in Portugal and German outfit Eintracht Braunschweig.